Masterpieces of kabuki
By: edited by James R. Brandon and Samuel L. Leiter.
Contributors: Brandon, James R.; Leiter, Samuel L.
Publisher: University of Hawaiʻi
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Honolulu
Language: eng
Number of pages: 355
Description: "Masterpieces of Kabuki contains eighteen outstanding dramas taken from the landmark four-volume series Kabuki Plays On Stage. Together they cover the entire spectrum of kabuki drama from 1697 to 1905, the period during which kabuki's dramaturgy flourished prior to the onset of Western dramatic influence. Major playwrights, chronological periods of playwriting, and a variety of play types (history, domestic, and dance dramas) and performance styles are represented. All but one are in the current repertory and regularly staged. The volume includes introductions to each play and a new general introduction highlighting kabuki's historical development and relating the plays to their performance context. As the subtitle implies, the plays are translated as if "on stage." Stage directions indicate major scenic effects, stage action, costuming, makeup, music, and sound effects. In some cases, complex stage actions such as stage fights are given in detail. The plays collected here are all marvelous examples of dramatic writing, intended to be acted on the stage before audiences. They reveal kabuki's eras of brilliance and bravado, villainy and vengeance, darkness and desire." --Publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Just a minute; title: Stone-cutting feat of Kajiwara; title: Summer festival : mirror of Osaka; title: Japan's twenty-four paragons of filial piety; title: Precious incense and autumn flowers of Sendai; title: Revenge at Tengajaya; title: Message of love from Yamato; title: Picture book of the Taikō; title: Scandalous love of Osome and Hisamatsu; title: Kasane; title: Masakado; title: Tale of the martyr of Sakura; title: Three Kichisas and the New Year's first visit to the pleasure quarters; title: Woman student; title: Fishmonger Sōgorō; title: Dropped robe; title: Mirror lion, a spring diversion; title: Sinking moon over the lonely castle where the cuckoo cries.